Hereditary Ataxia
Hereditary Ataxia is a progressively worsening disease leading to incoordination, exaggerated movements, and falling. Eventually, affected dogs will be unable to stand or walk without assistance.
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Signs and symptoms
Clinical signs include a lack of coordination, exaggerated movements, falling, and an inability to stand or walk without support. Tremors have also been reported.
Signs typically develop before two years of age. -
Diagnosis
Diagnosis includes genetic testing, a complete physical and neurological exam, and advanced imaging such as an MRI.
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Treatment
This condition cannot be treated and affected dogs often have a poor quality of life by four years of age.
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What to do if your dog is at risk
Actions
- Monitor affected dogs' quality of life and keep them comfortable on soft and non-slip surfaces.
- Slings can be used to help support dogs that are unable to stand or walk on their own.
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Genetic Information
This variant was first described in the Australian Shepherd.
This variant is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning a dog requires two copies of the variant to show signs of Hereditary Ataxia.
Gene names:
PNPLA8 Exon 3 ‐ chr
Inheritance type:
recessive
Citations:
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Breeds affected
This health condition affects the following breeds
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